Like a delicious mille-feuille, Hôtel Adèle & Jules is sugar-sweet and many-layered: rooms are set across two identical 19th-century buildings (one is ‘Adèle’, the other is ‘Jules’); each level of the hotel is bedecked with a different gem-bright colour scheme. Chocolate-box-pretty patterns and prints, eclectic artworks and covetable flea-market finds come courtesy of French interior-design talent Stéphane Poux. The hotel’s setting is equally tasty: a peaceful patch of the ninth arrondissement, a five-minute walk from the Grand Boulevards…

Smith Extra

Get this when you book through us:

BlackSmiths & SilverSmiths receive a half-bottle of wine (Chablis) and GoldSmiths a half bottle of champagne

Facilities

Need to know

Rooms

Check–Out

Noon; earliest check-in, 3pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability.

Rates

Double rooms from $152.80 (€136), excluding tax at 10 per cent. Please note the hotel charges an additional local city tax of €2.53 per person per night on check-out.

More details

Rates usually exclude Continental breakfast (€15 for adults; €6.50 for little Smiths). Guests are treated to the hotel’s take on afternoon tea – light bites and hot and cold drinks – served in the lounge between 4pm and 6pm, daily.

Our favourite rooms

We’re still crushing on the warm-hued Parisian Superior rooms, and the Boulevard Club rooms have a soothing grey-green colour scheme – almost oceanic – and boast big windows overlooking a quiet private street. Both bedroom and bathroom are deliciously spacious; if you’re prone to bringing too many clothes and shoes, there’s certainly room for them.

Packing tips

Come armed with an empty case if you can – then fill it with Marais-and-Montmartre finds.

Also

Communal areas are accessible for wheelchair-users, as are four of the Club Rooms.

Children

Little Smiths aged 2–12 can come. Extra beds (for children or adults) can be added to the Boulevard Club and Capital Junior Suite for €40 a night. Babysitting can be arranged with three hours’ notice. The hotel has on-loan highchairs, DVDs and games.

Food and Drink

Top Table

Dress Code

Take a cue from the black-clad staff and wear an LBD, black cashmere, blush-inducing black underwear or a dash of Black Orchid by Tom Ford.

Hotel restaurant

There’s no restaurant, meaning all the more reason to familiarise yourselves with Paris’ incredible bistros, bars and cafés. Every day between 4pm and 6pm, the hotel generously hosts a free Tea Time, serving pastries, savoury nibbles and hot and cold drinks.

Last orders

Breakfast is served between 7am and 11am. Help yourselves to honesty bar drinks whenever you’re thirsty.

Room service

Location

Address

Hôtel Adèle & Jules

2 Cité Rougemont

Paris

75009

France

Hôtel Adèle & Jules has an enviable location: a peaceful patch of the ninth arrondissement, a five-minute walk from the Grand Boulevards.

Planes

Charles de Gaulle, France’s largest international airport, is 23 kilometres away, a 50-minute drive. Hotel transfers can be arranged for €80; alternatively, book a limousine for €95, €105 or €140 (for up to two, four or seven passengers, respectively).

Trains

Paris Gare du Nord station is three kilometres from the hotel, a 20-minute drive, connecting Paris to London, Brussels, Amsterdam and other European hot spots thanks to the Eurostar. You can also catch SNCF services to a host of French destinations. Hotel transfers from the station start at €60. The Grand Boulevards Métro station is a five-minute walk away.

Automobiles

The hotel has two private car-parking spaces (€30, daily), which need to be booked in advance. Alternatively, there’s a public car park at 5 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, five minutes from Adèle & Jules.

Worth getting out of bed for

Walk around Montmartre village, one of Paris’ most intriguing neighbourhoods; use the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur as your lodestar while you navigate the tangle of streets. Some of the city’s biggest calling cards are just a short walk away from the hotel: Opera Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, Notre-Dame and other Parisian must-sees. Marvel at the opulence of the Jacquemart-Andre Museum, an eye-poppingly extravagant Haussmann mansion that has aged utterly gracefully. Swap secular art for religious art at Sainte-Chapelle, the royal, Gothic-style chapel housed within the Palais de la Cité. Sometimes, the chapel hosts classical concerts...

Local restaurants

Les Diables au Thym is one of the hotel’s tastiest – and nearest – neighbours, just a few steps away on Rue Bergère. Canard & Champagne: we can’t imagine a more heavenly proposition. The bubbles-and-duck-toting restaurant shares Passage des Panoramas with Caffè Stern. Le Richer dishes up reliably excellent plates of food, even by Parisian standards; the wine list is equally winsome.

Local cafés

Pick up sweet treats from sugary treasure trove A la Mère de Famille, which has several Parisian outposts (the closest is on Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, a five-minute stroll away).

Local bars

Continue the wine theme at Frenchie, a clever little proposition on Rue de Nil that spans a restaurant, wine bar and takeaway counter. Nantes-born owner and executive chef Gregory Marchand trained in France, but honed his skills while travelling the world; in Frenchie, he’s established exactly the kind of joint he likes to frequent.

Reviews

Anonymous review

Getting out of bed has never been my strong point. Getting out of bed at 5am to catch an early train to Paris, when you haven't packed and you finished the emergency stash of gin at 2am, makes it more traumatic. But, St Pancras is a civilised station, Eurostar has a civilised boarding process, and our fellow passengers are a civilised bunch. And, I’m heading to hip Parisian stay, Hôtel Adèle & Jules – très civilisé. However, we’re off to a less civilised start; weary from the early hour, my fellow travellers and I snooze. When I wake, there are slumped bodies, each seemingly tranquillised, heads lolling in rhythm with the racing train. What the scene lacks in je ne sais quoi, is replenished with reassuring comfort. I’m enjoying myself already.

We pull into graffiti-pocked Gare du Nord. It’s winter in Paris, but for January the weather holds. It's crisp and clear as we step into a café, order a croissant and stir ourselves with double espressos. A further 15-minute walk later, we arrive at Hôtel Adèle & Jules, down a quiet, cobbled cul-de-sac.

The entrance to 'Adèle' is an exact copy of the entrance to 'Jules' (no that's not a euphemism), the two 19th-century buildings comprising the property. Were we seeing double? Even the good-looking reception staff are smiling doppelgangers. Here's the oddity – the hotel’s twin buildings are an exact copy of each other, right down to identical design and decor. They’re separated down the middle by a – slightly inferior – flashing-neon-signed neighbour, also a hotel. Despite this, two for the price of one is an excellent deal here.

In a city where hotel rooms are snug at best, our Parisian Superior room is surprisingly spacious, with prettily clashing pops of colour; its highlight is the perfectly Parisian double doors that open wide onto a narrow balcony. While brushing my teeth, I’m delighted – if a little startled – to lock eyes with a neighbour opposite, a sophisticated Parisian who’s acting out the perfect cliché: reading Le Monde, cigarette in hand. He’s obviously just getting on with his Saturday, now unfortunately interrupted by my blatant voyeurism. I hastily retreat as Colgate dribbles down my chin.

Lunch beckons, so we stroll to Richer, a stylish dining spot we'll recommend to everyone we next need to impress. It’s easy to create an imaginary film scene out of those around us, all are worthy of the camera lens. Next, we happen upon a Chopin-playing pianist positioned in the middle of the road, a bystanding elderly Parisian is as delighted as us, exclaiming, ‘C'est Chopin, tu vois? Chopin!’. We nod in amicable agreement. Parisians don’t have the most welcoming of reputations but that proves to be a misconception. Free Chopin and friendly chatter… Gracious, it’s not even 3pm!

We’re soon in Montmartre, looking up at the Sacré-Cœur. The crowds don't distract us from the view, but the view doesn't distract me from my vertigo, either. Notwithstanding my height-induced reticence, €6 to climb the domes is a bargain (despite my brusquely pushing aside a kissing couple 60 metres up, to clutch at the stone wall. Sorry romance, needs must…)

Back on terra firma we pound more cobbled pavements and bear south, aided by an energy burst from an excessively beautiful and complex, layered bundle of chocolatey pâtisserie perfection. For the love of crème anglaise, it’s good; all the better, they’re stickily devoured on a bench, using our fingers, like the student selves we haven’t shaken off.

Back at hotel HQ, we buy our queue-jump tickets for the Musée d'Orsay at reception. Skipping a line is smugness incarnate, so we dive straight into room after room of Monet and Manet, Pissarro and Cézanne, then join the crowd behind the enormous outward-facing clock, from where you can spy Sacré-Cœur. Two days, two views, each a beauty. Romance isn't far from Rodin it seems; we turn a corner and almost trip over a lady eager to grapple with her homme. The urgency with which she pushes herself onto him is alarming; she almost straddles him, leaning in for a serious snog in the slightly stark hallway – in a museum, at that… Crikey Paris, you really are a ‘love fest’.

We continue to Art Nouveau, then pause as my plus one discovers a lump on her leg. There’s no time for swollen limbs – crêpes, red wine and baguettes must be savoured before the day’s done. But – phew – it’s no medical panic, just a pantalon malfunction: hastily pulled on before dashing to breakfast, they have last night's pants stuffed down the right leg. The incongruously highbrow setting makes this all the more hilarious – we’re still chortling back in our room.

Breakfast is an informal, plentiful affair. The menu isn’t extensive, but the well-stocked buffet satisfies. With the light pouring in from the roof lantern above, this is a pleasant way to start our last day in Pigalle. We cross the city to the unbeatable treasure trove of the Merci store, cram in another crêpe, and double back via a glass or three of red at bar Royal Beaubourg. Then, it’s time to head north and home again. That early start is a distant memory, but it’s absolutely proved worthwhile.

The Guestbook

Whenever you book a stay at a Smith hotel or villa, we’ll invite you to review it when you get back. Read what other Smith members had to say in Hôtel Adèle & Jules’s Guestbook below.

We loved

Adele and Jules is in a good location for sightseeing and walkable from the Gare Du Nord. The staff are so helpful and can arrange "skip the queue" passes, recommend places to eat and see, as well as help with all your needs in the hotel. The rooms were very clean and a good size with powerful showers, coffee machines, fluffy white towels and a good size TV with English BBC channels. The hotel is on a side street so away from the busier main streets (although there was some building work going on). We went for a balcony room but, in hindsight, I would have chosen an internal room with a bath to enjoy a bit more peace, as we didn't sit out on the balcony at all. The buffet breakfast was good enough to set us up for the day but you may want to head out to one of the cafes for a more local experience. We walked everywhere from the hotel and did not use the metro at all.

Don’t expect

A restaurant with traditional Parisian interiors – it was very modern and bold. There is a complimentary tea, but you'd be better off going to one of the amazing boulangeries in the Marais and picking up a large macaroon.

Rating

ByJo, SilverSmith

Stayed on 24 Apr 2019

We loved

The quiet street the hotel is on, coupled with the blackout curtains and incredibly comfortable bed, made for two of the best night's sleeps I have had in a long time! Our room was a good size for two, and the bathroom was lovely - very modern and chic black and white tiling. The shower was just glorious. Reception was always very welcoming and cheerful, spoke very good English. Location was brilliant - lots of small independent restaurants and bars, it felt very "local" - hardly any tourists, you felt like you were in the real Paris. We had a delicious dinner round the corner, a total gem.

Don’t expect

A restaurant-standard breakfast. It was totally adequate, and very cosy, but it was buffet style, make your own coffee and help yourself sort of deal.

Rating

ByMargaux, BlackSmith

Stayed on 22 Mar 2019

We loved

The location, friendly staff and luxuourious bedrooms. We will return.

Rating

ByCharlotte, SilverSmith

Stayed on 10 Dec 2018

We loved

The friendly and efficient staff, the cosy lounge with complimentary afternoon tea and an honesty bar, the comfortable mattress and high quality bedding and the breakfast. The hotel is well-situated – we walked from Gare du Nord and to the Louvre. In fact we didn't use the metro at all during our short stay.

Don’t expect

Large rooms – this is a city centre.

Rating

ByBarbara, BlackSmith

Stayed on 21 Nov 2018

We loved

The room was beautiful, especially the bathroom which was clean, stylish and had an excellent rainfall shower. The location could not have been more central, around the corner from a metro station which connected you to the whole city within a few stops. We metro'd quite a bit. Also very close to Montmartre, where we spent some time. Breakfast was lovely as well.

Don’t expect

Hustle and bustle – we rarely saw other guests and our room was very quiet, which we very much enjoyed.

Rating

ByLaura, BlackSmith

Stayed on 13 Nov 2018

We loved

The proximity to lively bars and cafes and indeed the sights of Paris. The staff were great and room clean and more than comfortable.

Don’t expect

Massive rooms or comprehensive breakfast.

Rating

BySimon, BlackSmith

Stayed on 2 Nov 2018

We loved

The hotel is perfectly situated within walking distance of picturesque Montmartre and the bustle of Marais. The staff were extremely helpful, able to make last minute reservations at top restaurants and patiently humouring our stilted French. We stayed in a cosy classic with a terrace, an ideal place to tuck into the hotel's delicious breakfasts and sip a morning coffee. We will be back.

Don’t expect

The usual street noise to keep you up, despite being a short walk from an array of restaurants and bars.

Rating

ByJames, SilverSmith

Stayed on 2 Nov 2018

We loved

Simple luxury done beautifully. Feels intimate and a home from home. Within walking distance of Gare de Nord, the Grand Boulevards, Galeries Lafayette, the Opera House and Champs Elysses.

Don’t expect

To feel like you are staying in a hotel.

Rating

ByJanet, BlackSmith

Stayed on 27 Jul 2018

We loved

We loved the gorgeous decor! Staying in a cozy classic room was just perfect for our anniversary celebration. For Paris, the room is quite sizeable, with a huge comfy bed and modern wall-mounted Bluetooth enabled television that made my boyfriend incredibly happy. I was able to ask specifically for a room I liked that I'd seen in photos online, and the hotel went above and beyond to meet my requests. The bathroom in the room was pristine and sizeable, with a great shower and rainfall showerhead. Staff left a letter welcoming us to the hotel on our pillow, which was such a lovely addition. All staff were so attentive and friendly, in all areas of the hotel, going out of their way to make us feel comfortable and well looked after. This is such a gorgeous hotel, in such a lovely part of Paris, we would definitely love to stay here again.

Rating

ByOdessa, BlackSmith

Stayed on 16 Jul 2018

We loved

The bed and the bathroom. There are great local food places all around.

Don’t expect

Too much space in the bedroom – ours was tiny...

Rating

ByDeepa, BlackSmith

Stayed on 24 Jun 2018

We loved

The level of service from all hotel staff was first rate. Great room with balcony and bath at very reasonable rate.

Rating

ByGary, BlackSmith

Stayed on 11 Jun 2018

We loved

The hotel was great – just what we where looking for. The staff were friendly and helped us with all our questions. Good local restaurants. Had a great champagne evening meal down the River Seine.

Don’t expect

Perfect for couples, not sure I would take young children.

Rating

ByAndrew, BlackSmith

Stayed on 29 May 2018

We loved

The bed was incredibly comfortable and the room was very spacious for Paris. The complimentary tea time was unexpected and a lovely break in the day.

Rating

ByBridie, BlackSmith

Stayed on 3 Apr 2018

We loved

The whole experience! The staff were lovely, polite and helpful and the room had beautiful decor. The afternoon tea is a lovely touch and a great freebie for this hotel!

Don’t expect

Tea and coffee in your room, or a minibar.

Rating

ByInara, BlackSmith

Stayed on 5 Jan 2018

We loved

They say good things come in small packages, and as hotel rooms go, Paris is the place for finding pretty tiny ones. As you have to go small in Paris, it makes sense to go stylish, and at AJ our room was cosy but cool, will all the mod cons you could need (bath, stand up shower, separate loo, TV and Nespresso); though raining for our stay there was even a little balcony looking over Parisian rooftops that would have been a winner in the sunshine! The location is fantastic - probably explaining why it seemed to have the highest concentration of hotels we had ever seen - and you can certainly do everything on foot from there as we did. One of the best local French restaurants is La Regalade Conservatoire, just around the corner and delicious without breaking the bank. Book a few days before and ask to be in the library - and make a couple of friends as it is even better for four. A more recent edition, still French but decidedly more modern, is the restaurant Eels on rue de Hauteville (book ahead here too to avoid being disappointed!). Or for something young and most definitely not French, head to La Cevicheria on rue Martel (or it's big sister a bit further away on rue Bachaumont).

Don’t expect

To be near the Champs Elysees or the Eiffel Tower - AJ os for seeing the parts of Paris where Parisians actually live, shop and eat, and you'll want to join in for sure!

Rating

ByGeorge, SilverSmith

Stayed on 1 Jan 2018

We loved

We loved everything about this hotel! The staff were professional, friendly and very helpful. The rooms were lovely and spotless. The beds were super comfortable as well. The location on a quiet side street in the centre was perfect. We were even able to order gluten and lactose free options for breakfast. This will definitely be my go to hotel for future trips to Paris! Merci in Le Haut Marais is a wonderful concept store for gifts and has three cafés. Their Cinema Café has the most delicious gluten free chocolate cake. Also, we found the most fabulous gluten free patisserie called Helmut Newcake, offering mini croissants and even a lactose free chocolate eclair.

Rating

ByCindy, BlackSmith

Stayed on 28 Nov 2017

We loved

The fluffy robes and the great location.

Rating

BySophie, GoldSmith

Stayed on 3 Nov 2017

We loved

The hotel and rooms were immaculate and very stylish. The complimentary afternoon tea was a lovely touch, and the staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. The reception recommended a great little wine bar round the corner.

Rating

ByLouise, BlackSmith

Stayed on 23 Sep 2017

We loved

All the benefits of being located in a busy neighbourhood, whilst being on a quiet side street. Our bedroom was so quiet. A short walk from the metro station and a really warm and friendly welcome. We loved the honesty bar and small chill out space. The room was small but light and airy and the shower was huge! The hotel recommended Le Brebant for dinner which is a very short walk away and it was great! We sat outside and soaked in the atmosphere. It is busy and buzzy, the seafood and steak are fabulous!

Don’t expect

A view! Not all of the rooms have a view; our room looked out on the courtyard.